About Operation HOPE—Healing Through Connection with Horses, Nature, and Each Other
Our Mission
We help people heal through connection—to themselves, others, and the world around them. By blending traditional therapy with the power of nature and horses, we offer a new kind of mental health support for individuals who haven’t felt seen in clinical settings.
Located in Monmouth County, NJ, we provide equine-assisted psychotherapy, eco therapy, and talk therapy (including Telehealth) for clients ages 12 and up. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or everyday stress, we’re here to guide you toward lasting change—gently and intentionally.
Why We Use Nature and Horses in Therapy
Who We Serve
Meet the Founders
Sara Velez, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
With a Master’s in Social Work from Monmouth University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Miami, Sara Velez brings years of experience working with individuals, families, and those in recovery from addiction and mental illness. Her approach is compassionate, intuitive, and deeply rooted in trauma-informed care.
Sara founded Operation HOPE to create a space where therapy didn’t feel clinical—but instead felt like coming home. With her equine certification through EAGALA and her lived experience as a caregiver and mental health advocate, Sara helps clients feel seen, grounded, and safe—whether they’re standing beside a horse or meeting virtually through Telehealth.
Brooke Lichter, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Brooke Lichter has dedicated her life to the healing connection between animals and people. After volunteering with the Monmouth County SPCA and working at a therapeutic riding center, Brooke went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Monmouth University with a concentration in clinical practice with children and families.
She is certified through EAGALA as an Equine Specialist and has a special gift for guiding clients through equine-assisted psychotherapy in safe, grounded, and empowering ways. For Brooke, Operation HOPE is more than a career—it’s a calling to help others find peace through presence, nature, and connection.
Meet Our Therapy Dog
Meet Mocha
Resident AKC Canine Good Citizen & Certified Therapy Dog
Mocha is a sweet and soulful Black Mouth Cur hound mix who brings warmth and calm wherever she goes. Rescued from Louisiana at six months old, Mocha has grown into a smart, affectionate, and intuitive companion who plays a special role in our practice.
Mocha got her name from Brooke’s love of coffee and because, just like your favorite mocha drink, she’s warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet.
A proud graduate of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, Mocha is currently a certified therapy dog. She loves cuddles, hikes, agility courses, and showing off her impressive repertoire of tricks. She also adores spending time with other dogs and being out in nature.
Because of her rescue background, Mocha sometimes needs a little time to warm up to new people, but once she does, she’s all in with tail wags, snuggles, and love. Her sensitivity to human emotions makes her a natural fit for therapeutic settings, and clients often find her presence grounding and comforting.
Mocha is honored to be part of our healing space and looks forward to supporting clients on their journey—one gentle paw at a time.
Therapy Dog Tribute
In Loving Memory of Our Past Therapy Dogs
Our therapy dogs were more than companions—they were healers, teachers, and steady sources of comfort. With their warm eyes and gentle presence, they supported clients (and us) in ways words often could not.
Though they are no longer with us, their legacy lives on in every life they touched. We hold deep gratitude for the joy, grounding, and compassion they offered so freely.
This space honors their memory and the irreplaceable role they played in our therapeutic community. Their paws may no longer walk beside us, but their impact remains woven into our work each day.
Forever in our hearts.
Sara’s Therapy Dog, Scout
Partnered Facilities
3 Sisters Forever Rescue – Freehold, NJ
A 501c3 nonprofit rescue farm dedicated to giving equines a second chance, aligned with our mission of healing through connection
Our Core Values
Our Commitment to Access and Community in Monmouth County
We believe therapy should be accessible. That’s why we:
- Accept Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Aetna, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Quest Behavioral Health, AmeriHealth New Jersey and Anthem EAP for talk therapy and eco therapy.
- Offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
- Provide scholarship support for veterans receiving equine-assisted therapy.
- Engage the community through events, workshops, and education.
Every session also helps care for our rescue horses—making healing a full-circle experience.